Meet the expats: Taylan Toklu

In this month's "Meet the expats" we speak to Taylan Toklu, who is originally from Turkey and recently moved to Luxembourg with his wife, where the couple has welcomed their first child.

What brought you to Luxembourg?

Both professional and private reasons. As for professional reasons, after working two years as a part of Vodafone Turkey I was looking forward to opportunities at Vodafone Procurement Company, which is the global organisation based in Luxembourg. As for the personal reasons, my wife is French and she wanted to come back to Europe. Also she was two months pregnant when we moved to Luxembourg, and we thought it was a good country to give birth and raise child in.

What helped you get settled in Luxembourg?

As a part of the relocation package, the company provided one month of temporary accommodation and an external company's support (for us it was Integreat) to find a permanent alternative, as well as completing administrative requirements for a newcomer, like registering at the commune, registering the apartment and so on.

What do you like most about your life in Luxembourg?

It is a small and cute city where everything is almost within walking distance. I walk with my family through parks when we go from home to the City centre, and I enjoy that very much. I like most the advantages there are connected to a small city - Luxembourg is calm, peaceful, tidy, clean, and has less traffic - and also that it's very international.

If you could change one thing about Luxembourg, what would it be?

The weather. I would definitely extend the duration of spring and summer.

What tips would you give new arrivals?

Even though the rent for apartments is high, I would advise new arrivals to live near the City centre for the first years in order to enjoy Luxembourg City. Also, another tip is for them to purchase walking and bike path guides so they can explore the beautiful nature of Luxembourg.

Interview by Mette-Sofie Sommer